‘Dachau for Queers’ at the Philly Fringe: A Provocative Look at a Dark Chapter of History

The Lab, a multidisciplinary development and production company, will present the workshop production of “Dachau for Queers,” a searing new play by Daniel Neer, as part of the Philadelphia Fringe Festival. The limited run will take place at Theatre Exile from September 25-28. The play delves into the brutal and surreal experiences of a young gay man in a California psychiatric hospital in the 1970s, based on true events.

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The Origins of a Hard-Hitting Play ✍️

Daniel Neer, a “hyphenate” artist working as an actor, singer, writer, educator, and producer, was inspired to write “Dachau for Queers” after learning about the notorious Atascadero Psychiatric Hospital. Nicknamed “Dachau for Queers,” the institution subjected gay men to horrific “aversion therapies” in the 1960s and 70s. At the time, homosexuality was considered both a crime and a mental illness, and men could be committed to such facilities for minor offenses like holding hands or kissing in public.

Neer’s research, particularly an episode of the podcast “November in My Soul,” revealed the atrocities committed at Atascadero, including psychotropic drugs, electroshock treatments, and even frontal lobotomies. This dark history moved him to create a stage piece that not only sheds light on these events but also serves as an allegory for the broader struggles of growing up gay in America. The protagonist, Jonah Goodson, is a runaway who must navigate a psychotropic maze to survive.

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Entertainment and Empathy: The Play’s Core Message 🎭

While the subject matter is heavy, Neer hopes the audience will be both entertained and moved. He describes the play as a mix of grit and humor, with moments that are “endearing, quirky, surreal, and at times very funny.” The ultimate goal is to foster empathy, a quality Neer feels is in decline. He believes theater can help us see and hear each other, especially those we may not understand. “Dachau for Queers” aims to increase awareness of the pain and struggles that are an essential part of the human experience, and to help audiences find parallels in their own lives.

For Neer, preparing this play has been a deeply personal journey, leading to a greater understanding and appreciation of his own experience growing up gay. He sees the play as an opportunity to be a voice for those who can’t speak for themselves. He notes the shocking fact that “gay aversion therapy” is still legal for minors in most of the country today and hopes the play will spark a conversation about the need for compassion and understanding.

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Looking Ahead ➡️

After its run at the Philly Fringe, Neer hopes to present a full production of “Dachau for Queers” in New York City or San Francisco, with promising leads in both cities. The Lab has several other projects on the horizon, including:

• “Hopper Haiku”: A collaboration between Neer and composer Ellen Mandel, this work sets haikus to music inspired by Edward Hopper’s paintings. It will premiere in New York in November.
• “The Final Waltz: Viennese Operetta and Anschluss”: This multimedia concert, which recently had a sold-out run in the UK, will be performed in Kansas City. It intertwines narrated video and live performances to honor Jewish composers of Viennese operetta.
• “Gitchee Gumee”: In February 2026, The Lab will present a performance of Neer’s work about the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald, featuring Neer as the vocalist.